Mics, Tournaments, and Making Moves: My Internship at Sinclair Communications

So let me just say this upfront — I had no idea how much fun radio could actually be. Like, sure, I've listened to it my whole life, but being inside it? Completely different energy. I'm interning at Sinclair Communications out of Norfolk, VA, and honestly? Best decision I've made.

A Little Background on Sinclair Communications

First things first — don't confuse them with Sinclair Broadcast Group, the big TV empire. Sinclair Communications is something way cooler: a family-owned and operated company, and a true rarity in the world of modern radio. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, they've been serving the Hampton Roads area for over three decades, and their lineup of stations covers just about every taste imaginable:

• AM 790 WNIS — the heritage News-Talk station, one of the original Rush charter stations, and home of Virginia Tech Hokies game broadcasts

• Sports Radio 850 WTAR — featuring FOX Sports, the Washington Nationals, NASCAR, and UVA Cavaliers

• 93.7 BOB-FM (WNOB) — adult hits and Hampton Roads' original BOB-FM

• 96X (WROX-FM 96.1) — one of the first Alternative Rock stations in the area

• US 106.1 WUSH — country music serving all of Hampton Roads

• Vintage 96.5 — the newest addition to the family

That's a lot of radio under one roof — and I get to be a part of it.

Okay, Yes — There's Grunt Work. And That's Fine.

I'm not going to sugarcoat it — no internship is all glamour. I've been doing my fair share of behind-the-scenes work, and right now a big chunk of that is helping prep for the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, running June 24–27th out in Virginia Beach. Think logistics, coordination, and all the stuff that makes a big event actually happen. It's not always flashy, but honestly? Seeing how the pieces come together is lowkey one of the most valuable things I've learned so far.

Wait — I Recorded a Commercial?

Yeah, that happened. I got to step into the booth and record an actual commercial for Pride Industries. Do I know if it aired? Nope. Could be playing right now as you read this. Could be sitting on a hard drive somewhere. Either way — I was in a professional recording booth doing the thing, and that's pretty cool as hell. First of many, hopefully.

Going Live with Tony Macrini

Okay, THIS was a moment. I got to go live on air with Tony Macrini — and if you know Hampton Roads radio, you know Tony. Being in that studio, on a live mic, with a real audience listening in real time? Surreal. Zero complaints. I kept it together (mostly), and it was one of those experiences I'll be talking about for a long time.

Guest Spot on JLee's Sports & Reggae Show 🎙️🏆

As if the Macrini moment wasn't enough — I was also a guest on JLee's show, which is this amazing mix of sports talk and reggae music. Honestly, the vibe of that show is incredible, and getting to be a part of it as a guest felt like a real "I belong here" moment. The best part? I'm hopefully going on again soon. With the tuna tournament coming up, it might get pushed to the week after — but trust me, I'm counting down.

Behind the Scenes & Getting Into Promotions

On top of all of that, I've been getting a real education in production — learning that every great song you hear on air is just the final note in a much longer melody happening behind the scenes, so to speak. From how content gets put together to the technical side of things that listeners never think about, it's eye-opening stuff. Radio sounds effortless on air, but there's a whole lot happening behind that mic that makes it work.

I've also been getting my hands dirty with promotions, helping out and learning how stations build buzz, connect with the community, and keep listeners engaged beyond just what's on the air. It's a side of the industry I didn't expect to enjoy as much as I do — but here we are.

What I'm Taking Away So Far

Radio is fast, it's fun, and it never really stops moving. Every day looks a little different, and I'm learning that being willing to do the small stuff is exactly what gets you access to the big stuff. From prepping event logistics to sitting behind a live mic — it's all connected.

I'm only partway through this internship, and I already have stories. Can't wait to see what's next.